Melbourne

Melbourne lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Melbourne's population is estimated at around 73,773 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 18,832 people (34.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 54,941 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 72,694, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 508 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11,194 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Melbourne's 34.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 29,352 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 38.3% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Melbourne was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Melbourne received around 180 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 904 homes. In FY26 so far, 44 approvals have been recorded. Historically, each new dwelling constructed accommodates an average of 10.2 new residents per year. Commercial approvals this financial year reached $1.43 billion.

Detached dwellings accounted for approximately 1% of total building activity, with attached dwellings comprising the remaining 99%. Melbourne's population is projected to grow by 28,273 residents by 2041, potentially outpacing housing supply if current development rates persist.

Looking ahead, Melbourne is expected to grow by 28,273 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Melbourne has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 253 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Greenline Project - Yarra River, Level Crossing Removal Project, Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal, and South Melbourne Town Hall Restoration. The following details projects likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Melbourne shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Melbourne has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate is 3.8% and there was an estimated employment growth of 4.8% in the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 53,723 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 79.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 39.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are accommodation & food, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area has a strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 3.6% of Melbourne's workforce compared to 9.7% in Greater Melbourne. There are 4.9 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.8% while labour force increased by 4.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and an increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Melbourne. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Melbourne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Melbourne suburb had median income among taxpayers at $42,612 with average level at $67,203. Nationally, this is approximately average compared to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $46,127 (median) and $72,747 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($864 weekly), while household income sits at the 32nd percentile. Distribution data shows predominant cohort spans 31.5% of locals (23,238 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile and area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Melbourne features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Melbourne, as per the latest Census evaluation, 0.1% of dwellings were houses while 99.9% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Melbourne was at 13.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 13.6% and rented ones at 73.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,800, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Melbourne was $381, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Melbourne's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents higher at $375.

Melbourne features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 37.5% of all households, including 5.7% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 3.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 62.5%, with lone person households at 47.2% and group households comprising 15.3%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Melbourne shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Melbourne has a notably higher educational attainment than national averages. As of 2021, 61.1% of its residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational pathways account for 18.3% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 11.0% and certificates 7.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 42.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2021. This includes 25.4% in tertiary education, 1.7% in primary education, and 1.5% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Melbourne has 206 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These are covered by 92 individual routes, collectively facilitating 69,302 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 95 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Walking is common for commuting, at 25%, while train usage stands at 22%. The area has a low vehicle ownership rate of 0.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 9,900 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 336 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Melbourne's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Melbourne's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 53% of the total population (~39,394 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 6.9 and 5.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority (83.6%) report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 6.2% (4,573 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings similar to the general population.

Melbourne is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Melbourne's population comprises 60.2% speaking languages other than English at home, with 70.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion at 25.6%. Buddhism stands out at 10.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

Chinese ancestry leads at 27.1%, significantly above the regional average of 6.5%. Other ancestry follows at 18.5%, with English at 13.3%, notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Notable disparities exist in Korean (Melbourne: 2.1% vs regional: 0.3%), Spanish (Melbourne: 0.8% vs regional: 0.4%), and Indian (Melbourne: 5.9% vs regional: 4.2%) representations.

Melbourne hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Melbourne's median age is 28, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 25-34 year-olds are particularly prominent at 39.8%, while the 5-14 group is relatively smaller at 1.6% compared to Greater Melbourne. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates a rejuvenation, with the median age falling from 29 to 28 years. Key changes show that the 15-24 age group has grown from 24.5% to 27.2%, and the 25-34 cohort has increased from 38.3% to 39.8%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Melbourne, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 36%, adding 10,636 residents to reach 39,998.